Does sunblock go bad?

Posted by: Madcat39

Does sunblock go bad? - 07/22/09 04:02 AM

I transferred some spf30 into a couple of smaller tubes so that i can have one in my GHB and one at home. I don't have the original container and the sunblock is a few yrs old. Should i get some new sunblock? Does it lose its protective qualities after a few yrs?
Posted by: Todd W

Re: Does sunblock go bad? - 07/22/09 04:03 AM

YES!!

Not even a few years... much less time than that.

I believe they suggest replacing it every season.
Posted by: Kris

Re: Does sunblock go bad? - 07/22/09 11:51 AM

Yup... trust me on this one. You don't want to put on what you think is 70+spf then you get burnt in 30 mins.
Posted by: Todd W

Re: Does sunblock go bad? - 07/22/09 02:26 PM

Yeah, it won't go "bad" but it loses the power of blocking the sun.. basically it degrades the longer it's on the shelf.
Posted by: LeeG

Re: Does sunblock go bad? - 07/22/09 07:02 PM

Sunblock or sunscreen? There is a difference.

Difference Between Sunblock and Sunscreen

Quote:
Sunscreens are the most popular at the moment. Available in creams, lotions and gels, they contain chemicals that absorb UV rays. They are also inconspicous on the skin. The chemicals that are most often found in sunscreens include PABA, Benzophenones, Cinnamates, Salicylates,

Sunblocks instead of absorbing UV rays, reflect them. At one time sunblocks could be spotted by the opaque white film, but new technology has created sunblocks with particles so tiny, that the opaque film in no longer noticeable. Chemicals most common in sunblocks include Titanium dioxide and zinc oxide.


I recently had a basil cell carcinoma removed from my face, and did some research into how to prevent getting more in the future. My dermatologist recommended always using at least SPF 20 when outside. SPF numbers over 50 really don't offer more protection than 50 does. Also, most people tend to not apply as much as is needed to achieve the full level of protection. If you only apply half as much as is needed, you are only getting 1/4 the protection, while only 1/4 recommended reduces protection to 1/16, so SPF 50 at 1/4 level is same as SPF 3. Sunscreen needs to be reapplied much more often than most people bother with (30-60 min) to keep full effect.

Sunscreen doesn't last a long as sunblock - replace the former every year and the latter every 2-3 years. If you go with sunblock, make sure it has Titanium dioxide and/or zinc oxide - anything else isn't really proven (according to my dermatologist).

Posted by: Art_in_FL

Re: Does sunblock go bad? - 07/25/09 02:08 AM

I wouldn't just throw it out. My understanding it is degrades slowly instead becoming useless on a particular date. I would use it for the less important uses. Using it up by applying it more frequently like you would a lower SPF.

IMHO for emergency and survival use sun blocks, like zinc oxide, are more appropriate. They last longer and beat even a high SPF sunscreen. Nobody cares if your nose is white in a survival situation.
Posted by: TeacherRO

Re: Does sunblock go bad? - 07/27/09 02:08 AM

I've heard it does, but can't source it. I replace mine every year ( but need to replace my sunblocking lip balm.) I use 30-50 everytime I'm working outdoors.
Posted by: MDinana

Re: Does sunblock go bad? - 07/31/09 12:54 AM

2 years after the manufacture date, according to the poster in my dermatologist's clinic.